Obituary of John Thompson

John Thompson, 84, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away on November 19,2023. Born in Winter Haven, Florida he was a lifelong resident.  

John graduated from Winter Haven High School and was a part of the Florida Southern College ROTC. John was a First Lieutenant in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. Fort Benning was where John met the love of his life, First Lieutenant/nurse RN Carolyn Ann Sherwin.They married and enjoyed a loving 59 years together. John was a giver throughout his life. He was a member of several Board of Directors in Winter Haven, FL. John was the Commander of the Polk County Sheriff's SWAT Team for several years. John maintained his spit and polish professional appearance throughout his life. John appreciated the men and women in law enforcement who proudly serve and protect the citizens of their respective communities. John's motto was Service Before Self. 

 John worked in several professions to include Citrus, The Polk County Sheriff's Office as a Sergeant in the Law Enforcement Division, and Corporate Security Director for the Winter Haven Hospital. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, James L. and Ruby L. Thompson; sister, Marian Sassard. John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn Ann; a sister, Evelyn Melton of Tallahassee, FL; brother, Clyde Thompson of Winter Haven, FL; several nieces and nephews. John was also survived by his cat, "Cat". 

A service will be held at Oak Ridge Funeral Care 2425 Havendale Blvd. Winter Haven, FL on December 1, 2023 with a gathering of friends and family from 10:00 am- 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations may be made to the Polk County Sheriff Charities or the Humane Society of Polk County.